2008 Spring Athletics Awards Celebration A Hit :: Bears honored for athletics and academics

May 5, 2008

GREELEY, Colo. - At the annual athletics awards celebration on Friday evening, several Bears were honored for not only athletic achievements, but their work in the classroom as well.

Thanks to donations from Old Chicago, the student-athletes were able to enjoy some light appetizers while honoring fellow students on the last day of classes for the school year.

The Bear Leadership Award, presented to student-athletes who are leaders both on the field and away from their sports, was given to Andrew Emmerling from football and softball's Hillarie Van Otterloo. Van Otterloo will serve as the co-president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee next year.

Newcomer of the Year awards went to the basketballs, as junior Jabril Banks earned the men's trophy and junior Jamie Schroeder was presented the women's trophy.

The Bear Down Award, given to teammates who work hard in the weight room, was awarded to baseball's Anthony Garcia and softball's Morgan Dahlman. Both were also named All-America by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Both senior Thanasi Panagiotakopoulos from men's basketball and Kelly Schmeckpepper-Cook from swimming & diving were awarded the Breakthrough Awards, while Panagiotakopoulos was also named the top graduating senior on the men's side. The women's top graduating senior award was given to Karen Groll from women's tennis.

The outstanding male athlete of the year went to Reece Hopking from wrestling and the women's award went to Danielle Hagen from women's basketball.

Spring 2008 UNC Athletics Award Celebration List

Bear Leadership Award

Male Female

Andrew Emmerling (Football) Hillarie VanOtterloo (Softball)

Newcomer of the Year

Male Female

Jabril Banks (Men's Basketball) Jamie Schroeder (Women's Basketball)

Bear Down Award

Male Female

Anthony Garcia (Baseball) Morgan Dahlman (Softball)

Breakthrough Award